Tavistock AFC 5

Liverton 0

THE Lambs increased their cushion at the top of the league when they recorded a fine win over newly promoted Liverton at Langsford Park.

The home team attacked from the start, in the fifth minute Dan Pethick looked to be through on goal, but was crudely brought down by a defender 23 yards from goal. The referee had no option but to produce a yellow card. Chris Menhenick's free kick crashed against the outside of the upright with the keeper well beaten.

The Lambs really had the upper hand during this period of play, and had the ball in the net only to be ruled out for off side. Matt David then went close with header from a corner kick, before Dan Pethick just shot wide from 25yards.

In the 20th minute the hosts deservedly took the lead, when Chris Menhenick found Johnny Wyatt on the left, he cut inside and fired a shot that the keeper did well to parry, but the ball fell to Jarryd Kelly who calmly slotted the ball home from ten yards.

In the 32nd minute Liverton striker Steve Bowker received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on central defender Matt David.

For some reason, the loss of a player for the visitors upset the Lambs rhythm, they lost their shape and failed to make use of their advantage of an extra man. Lambs could only take a single goal lead in at the interval.

The visitors continued to put in a sterling performance in the opening 20 minutes of the second half as their forced change of system caused the Lambs some problems. It was still the home team having the larger share of possession but with some dogged defending and swift counter attacking the visitors were still in the game.

Things changed in the last twenty five minutes when the home team finally got the ball wide and pushed their full backs forward.

In the 73rd minute substitute Josh Robbins' corner kick was palmed away by the keeper and fell to Ian Rooke who slammed home from four yards.

Two minute later it was 3-0 when Rooke found Joe Carey on the right with his inch perfect cross finding Johnny Wyatt at the far post to rifle home his right foot shot.

It was now wave after wave of attacks from the Lambs as Rooke headed just over the bar following a fine move between Ben Davies and Joes Carey.

Johnny Morris and Dave Hallett the combined well in midfield with the ball finding Josh Robbins on the left and his cross found Joe Carey who shot home from 15 yards.

Another flowing move two minutes before the final whistle, resulted in Joe Carey getting his second of the evening, after Robbins provided a clever flick pass that found him on the angle of the penalty area and his superb strike flew into the far corner of the net to make it 5-0.

This is another great result for the Lambs although it must be said that Liverton put in a really good performance having only ten men for 55 minutes of the match.

The Lambs are performing well so far and there appears to be a positive spirit within the squad. Obviously there is a long way to go and a lot tougher tests ahead.

This Saturday the first team visit last season's champions Bodmin Town, KO 3pm.

Next Wednesday the first team are home to St Austel, 7.30pm KO. This Saturday the Reserves visit Elburton Villa, 2.30pm KO.

Tvistock AFC annual meeting will take place in the Red and Black Club at 7.30pm on September 27.